A HOTEL in Southend has become the first ever in the town to be featured in the Michelin Guide.

The Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, has made it into the 2019 edition of the guide, which highlights restaurants and eateries it believes have achieved a certain level of excellence.

The hotel is yet to receive a Michelin star, but its inclusion in the guide is the first step towards achieving this.

The accomplishment is made even more remarkable by the fact that the hotel only opened in January.

The hotel offers 37 rooms, and is described in the guide: “Inside it’s all rather blingy, courtesy of a polished copper gin bar, a kitsch brasserie serving modern British dishes and stylish bedrooms; the fourth floor rooms all come with gold hues.”

Restaurant manager Jonathan Peters, 52, said: “We were so excited to be included in the guide.”

He believes this recognition reflects a change that is happening in Southend towards gentrification - reforming an area so it appeals to middle-class tastes - however he was keen to point out this does not necessarily mean making the area “posher”.

He said: “We reflect the changing nature of Southend. We are making sure we can have glamour and luxury, while making it accessible.”

And the hotel recently enjoyed some celebrity interest too, with chef Jamie Oliver visiting last week and providing a positive review. Recent performers at the Cliffs Pavilion, including illusionist Derren Brown and dancer Vincent Simone, have also made The Seven their hotel of choice. Mr Peters believes that Southend’s proximity to London and the recent developments to the airport have contributed to the boost to the town, but also believes Southend has plenty to offer of its own. He said: “There’s a lot more to Southend than amusements and cockles.

“Essex has a reputation, but I think that is being challenged. Southend is moving on from The Only Way is Essex image.”